Charlie Baker on Energy & Oil

2010: questioned global warming; 2014: yes, it's manmade

(Boston Globe, 2/7/2010): Asked whether he agrees with the "scientific majority" that climate change is caused by human activities, Baker ducked: "What I do believe is that our overreliance on foreign oil is a big problem for national security and an
economic point of view." He told the Globe, "You're asking me to take a position on something I don't know enough about. I absolutely am not smart enough to believe I know the answer to that question."

(BostInno, 1/15/2014):
Baker did go on to say in that same interview from 2010, however, that "we should all rely on the fact that most of the science agrees that temperatures are rising, CO2 levels are rising and it'd probably be a good idea to do something about that."
Indecision, not denial.

(State House News Service, 6/2/2014): Baker flip-flopped to state that "I certainly think the rise in carbon dioxide is a man-made, generated, activity that plays a role in all of this."

Helped gather signatures to repeal gas tax increase

Leaders of a movement to repeal automatic increases in the gasoline tax took time out to celebrate their latest success. A group of about 30 activists and candidates for office gathered at Lafayette House in Foxboro to mark the occasion of going over the
top in collecting enough signatures to put the issue on the November ballot. The guest speaker at the event was Republican candidate for governor Charlie Baker. He told the audience when he helped them collect signatures at a supermarket, almost every
voter signed the petition once the automatic tax increase was explained to them. The increases are "a classic overreach" by the Legislature that is sure to be repealed by voters in November. Later, Baker said his main objection is to the automatic
increases in the future, not the immediate 3 cents a gallon hike called for in the bill. He also said in a brief interview that he is not targeting any tax cuts if elected, but is opposed to new tax increases. (Sun Chronicle, 6/20/2014)

Support Hydro Quebec, efficient appliances, and LED lighting

Adopt a reasonable and effective statewide energy policy:

Support Hydro Quebec as a renewable energy source. Hydro Quebec has significant potential to provide Massachusetts with clean, renewable power that will expand the state's energy portfolio
while reducing the cost of electricity for ratepayers.

Focus on energy efficiency. Given that only a limited amount of electricity can be generated within Massachusetts, the state should focus more heavily on energy efficiency as a way to lower
energy costs.

Waive sales tax on energy efficiency appliances and upgrades. This will encourage homeowners and businesses to purchase energy efficient appliances and technologies.

LED lighting rebate program. LED lighting is extremely energy
efficient but is still cost prohibitive to many homeowners and businesses. The state should offer a rebate program for businesses and homeowners to encourage the transition from traditional lighting to LED lighting.

Renewable energy is an important investment in our future

I'm concerned about the effects of climate change on our environment. I also believe that a strong economy is crucial to our ability to invest in solutions which will not only benefit our natural environment, but also improve our economic environment.

Renewable energy is an important investment in our future [but] renewable energy generation has to deliver measurable cost savings. Wind, biomass, and solar all have a role to play in reducing demand for fossil fuels, but the price of these energy
sources cannot make Massachusetts' already uncompetitive energy picture even worse.

Promoting energy efficiency programs is also a cost effective way to reduce current energy costs and shield our economy from future energy shocks. Our approach to
renewable energy must be supplemented by aggressive, public support for energy/electricity efficiency.

We need a balanced approach to energy policy that includes a reliable, cost-effective portfolio of conventional and renewable energy sources.